Press Releases

Ian Watson Honoured by NCOM

On May 7-9th 1998, the National Coalition of Motorcyclists, (NCOM), in
conjunction with the International Coalition of Motorcyclists, (ICOM),
held their 13th Annual Convention in the Dallas, Texas suburb of
Irving. Clubs, motorcycle rights organizations, interested individuals
and celebrities were invited to the largest annual gathering of people
concerned about the rights of motorcyclists and the role that
governments around the world play in this area. The event included
seminars on effective lobbying techniques, insurance issues,
anti-discrimination tactics and impending safety issues that will
limit the rights of bikers on a worldwide stage.

The people in attendance were the international cream of the crop, and
the Ontario Confederation of Clubs was proud to be a part. We were in
fact a big part of the convention.

It is with an enormous amount of pride that we sent a delegation to
Texas. The brightest star in this galaxy was our vice-chairman, Mr.
Ian Watson. Ian also doubles as the chairman of the O.C.C. Judicial
Committee and is essentially the "do-all" behind the Confederation.

The board at NCOM recognized Ian's dedication and devotion not only to
the rights of motorcyclists in the province of Ontario, but in his
tireless efforts at helping out with the Aid to Injured Motorcyclists
(A.I.M.) program, which can be found not only in Canada but throughout
the U.S. and parts of Europe as well. As a result of Ian's commitment
he was awarded the Fred Hill International Award at the Silver Spoke
banquet ceremonies. What does this mean and why should you care? Fred
Hill (whom the award was named after) was a British motorcycle
activist who refused to wear a helmet and refused to pay the thousands
of fines imposed on him by the British government. He was jailed for
non-payment of these fines, and eventually died in an English prison.
Fred died for his beliefs and his commitment to his freedom. He is a
martyr. Being awarded the Silver Spoke that bears Mr. Hill's name is a
goal we could all aim for but few of us will ever achieve. Ian also
bears the double honour of being the first Canadian to receive this
prestigious award.

We, as Canadian motorcyclists, and as members of the Ontario
Confederation of Clubs, stand and applaud Ian on this achievement of a
lifetime. Whole hearted congratulations to you brother!!! We should
all be proud, and a little in awe of this remarkable feat.

At the NCOM convention, the O.C.C. delegation was also applauded by
all for being the fastest growing Confederation in the entire World
wide Organization. While Ian will be the first to admit that this is
the result of a true team effort, his vision and leadership has been
the key.

We, the executive would like to take this opportunity to thank all our
members for their contributions and support. You have elevated us to
the position that we now enjoy. Thanks to all!!! We would also like to
invite any interested parties to come and see for yourself why we are
on the move. Our motto "supporting the interests of motorcyclists
throughout Ontario, means exactly that. It encompasses ALL
motorcyclists and their interests. Our non-discriminatory policy is
the key to our success and the unifying force that makes us so
effective. With more support we can only grow stronger, thereby
becoming even more effective. Help us to help you.